Beautifying the Farmstead. 



33 



The placing of such gardens for the greatest effect may prevent 

 cultivating them by horse power. This usually should be avoided, 

 because it increases the labor in upkeep. If it is impossible to adapt 

 the gardens to the location so that they can be efficiently cultivated, 

 it is best to move them to a place where it can be done. Two es- 

 sentials of an attractive farmstead are neatness and the evidence 

 of cultural success. The accomplishment of these should be made 

 as easy as practicable without unduly sacrificing the decorative pos- 

 sibilities. It should be kept in mind that the more ornamental the 

 garden is designed to be, the greater the care required in its cul- 

 ture and maintenance. The careful placing and arranging of fruit 

 and vegetable gardens, however, should not be made an excuse for 



FH;. 30. A formal flower garden with informal plantings. 



omitting a flower garden, even though it has to be a small one. 

 Occasionally it may be combined with the vegetable or the fruit 

 garden. 



An ornamental garden, whether devoted to flowers (see fig. 4), 

 vegetables, or fruits, is in the nature of a transition from the for- 

 malities of the house to the informalities of the lawns. Its purpose 

 and use should be largely that of an outdoor room. For this reason 

 it should be near the house and somewhat secluded, having the pri- 

 vacy of a living room. In locating such a garden it should be kept 

 in mind that views of the farmstead from the principal points should 

 be largely open and free from special features that would distract 

 the attention from the house. On this account, ornamental gardens 

 should seldom be .placed between the highway and the house, as the 



